THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND IMMUNITY
WHAT IS IN THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM? Components are: Lymph, vessels, lymph nodes, tonsils, the spleen, and the thymus gland Jobs of this system include: Fluid Balance – restores interstitial fluid to the circulatory system Fat Absorption – lacteals, which are lymphatic capillaries absorb fat from the small intestine Defense- Pathogens are filtered from the lymph in nodes and can be destroyed by lymphocytes
EDEMA OF THE LEGS: Edema (swelling due to fluid retention) happens when excess fluid builds up around tissues
A lymph node is an oval organ surrounded by fibrous connective tissue that filters pathogens from the lymph fluid. It contains many immune cells
WHAT ARE TONSILS? Large groups of lymphatic nodules and tissues Keep pathogens from entering the pharynx Inflamed or enlarged tonsils can be removed
WHAT DOES THE SPLEEN DO? It is about the size of your fist It destroys defective RBC’s It responds to foreign (non-self) substances in the blood Macrophages clean up debris It also stores small amounts of blood
THE THYMUS GLAND? Site of T cell maturation Decreases in function throughout life By age 50 – it is only 20% functional By age 70 – it is mostly gone
HELP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM... Whack – A – Germ! arcade/whack_a_germ
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